(NIGERIA MOMENT).

Hidden specifics behind a controversial botched visit of a fleeing Islamic State (IS) Emir and a Lebanese fugitive, Ahmad al-Assir to Nigeria are becoming evident. Boko Haram extremists are reportedly strengthening ties with the Islamic State group, collaborating on intelligence and supplies and spreading their command in parts of Northern Nigeria and Chad.

It may be recalled that in March, Boko Haram pledged allegiance to IS, and in fact was granted independence by the group as their West African province. President Buhari’s ascendance to power raised optimism as the New he vowed to obliterate the group in one month. However, since his inception, more than 1,000 people have reportedly been killed in the insurgency. The group has also intensified its regional bases with more than hundreds of recruits and fighters engaged in active services in the Libyan city of Sirte, International Guardian gathered.